Serving soldiers around the world will enjoy some home comforts this Christmas thanks to Cumbria Army Cadets and volunteers.
Over 160 boxes containing gifts, toiletries, confectionary, Christmas goodies and clothes have been collected by cadets, their parents and adult volunteers around Cumbria for the charity Treats for Troops which works to send parcels to soldiers serving around the world thousands of miles away from family and friends over Christmas.
The collection which was organised by Civilian Assistant Hanna Sleightolm, Probational Instructor Charlotte Stobbart, Staff Sergeant Instructor Stefan Fletcher from Cockermouth Army Cadets and friends of the detachment Tom Dummigam and Myron Ismay from Workington received an amazing response from the cadets and their families who worked hard to collect together donations and products for their boxes completing the collection in just over a month.
When asked what had inspired her to organise the collection Miss Sleightolm said: “I Just wanted to make a bit of a difference this Christmas to the men and woman serving overseas this Christmas.”
As well as gifts, comfort items and Christmas goodies, each box also contains a short message from the cadet who donated it thanking them for their service and wishing them a Merry Christmas.
It is hopped that these small packages will bring great joy on Christmas day.
To find out more about Cumbria Army Cadet Force, go to www.armycadets.com/county/cumbria-acf/, where you can find your nearest detachment and discover more about what life in the Army Cadets has to offer for cadet and adult volunteers alike.